AKEL denounces the issuing of a NAVTEX by Turkey within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cyprus and indeed at a time during which ways are being sought for the resumption of the negotiation procedure on the Cyprus problem.
We recall that there is a convergence since the beginning of 2010 concerning the maritime zones, natural resources and the allocation of federal revenues, which with the solution of the Cyprus problem addresses in a comprehensive way the related issues. According to this convergence regarding the delimitation of the EEZ, the relevant provisions of the UN Treaty of the Law of the Sea will apply. This means that after the solution of the Cyprus problem the delimitation of the EEZ with Turkey must be sought and if this is not achieved within a reasonable period of time the dispute should be settled by the International Court of Justice or from the Special Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.
Ankara’s new provocation action demonstrates once again the need for a comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem. That is who we can utilize our natural gas unhindered for the benefit of our people, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, and our Cyprus.
Statement by Stefanos Stefanou, AKEL C.C. Spokesperson
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 7th March 2017, Nicosia